An appeals court in Washington has upheld a lower court's decision to stop the construction of a new ballroom at the White House, pending approval from Congress. The ruling means work on the above-ground sections of the project must cease, though construction below ground, where a military bunker is to be built, can continue. This decision follows a complaint by Democratic lawmakers, who argue that the project violates the Impoundment Control Act.
The US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit, which had previously allowed construction to proceed temporarily, ruled 2-1 to support the district court's order. The majority opinion emphasized that the ruling was not a judgment on the desirability of the ballroom but rather a requirement for congressional authorization as mandated by the Constitution and laws.
